Nick Castellanos can work out now, still eyeing mid-September return

Third baseman experience disabled list for first time in pro career, and it comes during a breakout season at the plate

Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos blows a bubble as he takes off his batting gloves after striking out during the third inning of the Tigers' 2-1 win over the White Sox in seven innings on Thursday.(Photo: Jon Durr, Getty Images)

Asked what kind of activity that entailed, the Detroit Tigers’ third baseman said: “Mountain-climbing, bungee-jumping and skydiving.”

Castellanos’ physical activity has been limited to the stationary bicycle and working on his legs. Gym stuff, he said.

“I don’t like it,” he said. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve been told I can’t play baseball.”

Castellanos never had been on the disabled list. Not in the minor leagues. He was forced there after getting hit by a pitch on the left hand Aug. 6 against the New York Mets. The timetable on his return likely is mid-September.

“That’s how I’m looking at it,” he said. “Even though I don’t get to play, the bright side is just getting the best treatment possible and coming back strong to help the team down the stretch.”

Castellanos is having a breakout season. In 105 games, he’s hitting .286 with 18 home runs and 58 RBIs. Defensively, he has made significant strides over seasons past.

Without Castellanos and centerfielder Cameron Maybin — who was placed on the DL on Monday — the Tigers had lost four straight entering Friday. It’s too small of a sample size to say how their absence has affected the offense, which isn’t lacking for offense, but losing a catalyst like Maybin and middle-of-the-order bat like Castellanos will take its toll.

Castellanos is wearing a splint on his wrist nearly 24 hours a day, except when undergoing physical therapy, and won’t begin any work with the wrist before X-rays make sure the injury is healed.